Marco Rojas opened the scoring early on, with Jake Brimmer doubling the score 18 minutes later from the spot. Hwang Hyun-soo’s reply after the hour mark raised nerves but ultimately served only as consolation for the Korea Republic side.

The win meant Melbourne Victory finished second in Group E to set up a Round of 16 date with Group F winners Ulsan Hyundai FC of Korea Republic on Sunday.

The match’s only goal came through Adailton, whose magnificent solo run and subsequent shot ensured the J1 League side made it three knock-out stage appearances in as many AFC Champions League campaigns.

The Chinese side came from behind to salvage a 1-1 draw against Chiangrai United on Thursday, with substitute A Lan netting a 77th equaliser – then missing a last gasp penalty kick – after Ekanit Panya put the 2019 Thai League winners ahead early in the second half.

With the top spot in the group secured by Beijing FC, the two sides went into the game with the knowledge that their future in the competition hung on achieving a result on the night, for Melbourne Victory that meant the three points only, while a draw would be enough for FC Seoul.

The 2019 J League champions know their place in the Round of 16 is secure and, with an unlikely combination of results needed to dethrone them as Group H winners, and Postecoglou did confirm that he will use the fixture to freshen up his squad.

But that doesn’t mean the former Australian national team boss sees the clash against his countrymen as any less meaningful, and he declared the match at Al Janoub Stadium a golden opportunity for his side to continue to impress.

Sitting in third place, the Korea Republic side need to win by a two-goal margin to overtake Guangzhou Evergrande, who are in second place on five points with a goal difference of zero, having drawn both games together.

Vissel Kobe and Suwon Samsung Bluewings met back in February and with the score tied at 0-0, Kyogo Furuhashi’s extremely late effort gave the J1 League side the win at Suwon World Cup Stadium.

A 10-goal difference separates runners-up Shanghai SIPG from group leaders Yokohama F. Marinos who face bottom side Sydney FC simultaneously at Al Janoub Stadium, meaning the top spot is beyond Vitor Perreira’s men unless the Australians can cruise past their opponents while SIPG do the same to hit 12 points and bridge that gap.

More realistically, the Chinese Super League side will be looking forward to their Round of 16 encounter against confirmed Group G winners Vissel Kobe.